Council approves adaptive reuse permit for transitional housing at 1010 Huron Street

The Manitowoc Common Council on the evening’s agenda unanimously adopted the plan commission’s recommendation to approve an adaptive reuse conditional use permit for 1010 Huron Street, the former McKinley School, to establish transitional housing.

Planning staff gave an overview of the request, saying the applicant now seeks only transitional housing and has removed a previously proposed warming shelter from this application. The staff summary said the applicant proposes roughly 30 dwelling units and small, neighborhood‑oriented commercial space on the first floor and that planning commission and planning staff recommend approval subject to conditions included in the council packet.

“Originally, the applicant had submitted an application that would have included a warming shelter. However, they are continuing to look at an alternate location for that, so this is 100% just the transitional housing request,” planning staff member Adam told the council.

At a public hearing, Matt Sauer identified himself and urged approval. He described local homelessness needs, referenced local efforts such as Hope House and The Haven, and said the project represents a private‑group effort to address Manitowoc’s housing crisis. “We really hope that you will approve this and we can begin to continue this positive change, taking a vacant building and turning it into a positive place in this community,” Sauer said.

Council members moved and seconded adoption of the committee’s report returning the plan commission recommendation; the motion passed by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

The action sends the item forward with conditions attached in the staff packet; council members did not request further study or defer the item during the meeting. Next procedural steps will follow any conditions and permit issuance processes outlined by city staff.